The political landscape of Tripura was shrouded in grief on Friday following the demise of Biswabandhu Sen, the Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. The veteran leader passed away in a hospital in Bengaluru in the early hours of the morning. He was 72 years old.
A Prolonged Battle and Nationwide Condolences
Biswabandhu Sen had been undergoing treatment for over four and a half months after suffering a massive cerebral stroke. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from the highest echelons of Indian politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating he was pained by the loss. The PM highlighted Sen's significant contributions to Tripura's progress and his unwavering commitment to social causes.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in mourning the leader's death. CM Saha termed the demise an irreparable loss for the state and extended heartfelt condolences to Sen's family and his many followers during this difficult time.
State Mourning and Final Journey
The Tripura government has declared a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state, and a public holiday was observed on Friday. The somber decision reflects the deep impact of Sen's death on the people of Tripura, with citizens and leaders from across the political spectrum united in grief.
Sen's body is scheduled to be brought back to Tripura on Saturday. It will first be taken to the Tripura Legislative Assembly in Agartala to allow the public and dignitaries to pay their final respects. Subsequently, the mortal remains will be transported to his hometown of Dharmanagar in North Tripura for the performance of the last rites.
A Storied Political Journey
Biswabandhu Sen's political career was long and distinguished, spanning several decades. He began his journey as a Congress worker in the 1970s. His first elected position was as Vice Chairman of the Dharmanagar Nagar Panchayat in 1988. He later served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) twice under the Congress party's banner.
In a significant shift in 2017, Sen joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He contested and won assembly elections in 2018 and again in 2023. Following the 2023 victory, he was elected to the prestigious position of Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Throughout his career, he was admired for his calm demeanor and steadfast dedication to parliamentary traditions and public service.
He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. His passing marks the end of an era for Tripura's politics, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the state's development.
